Nick Cannon to Play "Freeway" Ricky Ross in Biopic

Nick Cannon to Play "Freeway" Ricky Ross in Biopic

The former drug kingpin handpicked the "Wild' N Out" host to portray him onscreen.

Published March 4, 2013

"Freeway" Ricky Ross has had his troubles locking down ownership of his name, but the former drug kingpin is moving closer to telling his life story. In a post on his Facebook page, the infamous drug dealer turned youth activist revealed that Nick Cannon will portray him in an upcoming biopic about his days as one of Los Angeles’ biggest cocaine distributors in the late '80s and early '90s.

"I've been wanting him [Nick Cannon] to play my role since '96," Ross revealed. "We got hooked up, I met him. I love his personality."

This is certainly a dramatic leap from the usual teen friendly roles Cannon has become synonymous with over the years (Drumline, Love Don't Cost a Thing). This latest development comes as a significant cornerstone in Ross’ on-going efforts to tell his story and educate youth nationwide about the perils of selling narcotics. Freeway's rise in the drug game has been linked to the CIA's Iran-Contra scandal.

"This is history in the making right here…We are going to get this thing right. However long it takes, his story has got to be told," Cannon promised.

Up until last March, Freeway Ricky had been embroiled in a legal war against Rick Ross, the rapper (born William Roberts). The real Rick Ross filed a suit against the MMG boss for illegally using his real name and likeness as his rap moniker for profit. A judge tossed out Freeway Ricky's lawsuit and ordered him to pay the "Box Chevy" MC's $500,000 tab in legal fees.

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